The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.
Coretta Scott King
It has been a great first half of the autumn term in which the children have flourished, grown and inspired us with their effort and enthusiasm. After half term we look forward to welcoming Tim and Rachel to work with Y3, Y4, Y5 & Y6 on our annual opera project.
A reminder that 31st October is an inset day so there is no school for the children. They return on Tuesday 1st November.
Please ensure that you have signed up for (and made a note of) a parents’ evening appointment to meet your child’s class teacher after half term. All parents are expected to attend these meetings and anyone that has has not arranged this will receive a call from school. Please save us the additional task of having to do this by booking promptly.
Black History Month
A huge thanks to PiP/parents for a wonderful celebration of Black History Month to end the half term. A very special thanks and appreciation to the very generous food donations from:
Survivor Caribbean Restaurant, Arlington Road, NW1
Website: www.survivorsfood.co.uk. Please show your gratitude by visiting to eat in or take out!
Throughout this month children have added to their knowledge of Black artists, listened to stories, linked their writing to stories, learnt about significant adults and events/periods in Black History and learnt about someone that has made a significant contribution in the following areas:
| Education | Yvonne Connoly, Beryl Gilroy |
| Performers | Pablo Fanque, Anika Noni Rose |
| Community heroes | Olive Morris, Anthony Peltier |
| Change makers | Lilian Bader, David Lammy |
| Creative arts | Margaret Busby, Benjamin Zephaniah |
Unfortunately Valerie Bloom was unable to join us this week as she had COVID. We look forward to her rescheduled visit in November.
In art, the children have focused on one of the artists below; you can also see a taste of some of their work. There will be a fuller display for you to enjoy after half term.
- Jean Michel Basquiat – imaginative/ large scale/ mural painting
- Frank Bowling – painting colour and texture
- Alma Thomas – painting and abstract patterns
- Kara Walker – illustrations and silhouettes
- Kente Cloth and Yinke Shonibare – textured/patterned paper weaving
- Chris Ofilli – using acrylic paint, decorative portrait painting
- Emory Douglas – printing and protest art
Early Reading and Phonics Workshops for Reception Parents/Carers
You are invited to come into school to learn more about the reading and phonics programmes we use in school and how best to support children at home with this vital life skill.
Areas covered will include:
• How positive attitudes to reading, and choosing to read, have academic, social and emotional benefits for children.
• What phonics is, including how to say the phonic sounds; how to blend phonic sounds to read words; how to increase your child’s fluency in reading sounds, words and books.
• Parents’ and carers’ roles in home reading, including the importance of reading practice to develop fluency, as well as the importance of reading to your child to encourage a love of books, along with developing vocabulary and discussion.
Reception parent/carer workshop – Tuesday 15th November click here to sign up
The workshop will be 9.00-9.45am in the art room. Please sign up via the Doodle poll or by the school office to secure a place. We hope to see lots of you there!
Autumn 1 Christian Value – Koinonia
Fr Graeme tells us about Barnabus, the second saint who cares for us at Holy Trinity (the Church on Kentish Town Road was St Barnabus and was given to the Greek Orthodox Church and renamed St Andrew’s in 1954). The name Barnabus means the one who encourages us.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.
Acts 4:32
It is our support for one another every day of our lives which builds up our community, our sharing (koinonia).
Attendance and Punctuality
We continue to be hit with sickness this week which has dropped the attendance to 93.7%. We certainly hope that a restful half term will ensure better attendance after half term.
Early Birds
Infants: Year 2 (95.6%) Juniors: Year 4 (96.7%)
Attendance Bears
Infants: Year 1 Juniors: Year 6
Community Activities/Events
- Find half-term sports, youth and play activities for children of all ages and abilities on Camden Rise website
- Find services and support for children with SEND on the Camden Council website, the Local Offer website and the SENDIASS Camden website
- £15 supermarket vouchers for families with children under 18 who are eligible for free school meals, or where the family with children under 18 receives Housing Benefit or Council Tax Support, are due to go out again direct from the Council – but most likely the week after half-term.
Class Assemblies
Friday assemblies take place in the church hall, 2.55pm-3.25pm.
| 24th October – 28th October | Half term |
| Friday 4th November | Y3 |
| Friday 11th November | Y6 – Remembrance Day |
| Friday 18th November | Reception |
| Friday 25th November | Awards Assembly |
| Friday 2nd December | No assembly – rehearsals |
| Friday 9th December | Awards Assembly |
Free Counselling Service for Parents
We highly recommend the free counselling service for parents through Camden. You can find out more and register your interest via this leaflet.
CAMHS Open Minded Webinars
The school also recommends the “Open Minded” webinars. Find our more by clicking here.
“Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities” Courses
Camden Music Service
From Y1 onwards, you can sign your child up to learn an instrument in school. For more information and to download the Camden Music Service application form, please click here.
Term dates for 2022 – 2023
| First day of autumn term | Monday 5th September |
| Half term | Monday 24th – Friday 28th October |
| Last day of autumn term | Friday 16th December |
| First day of spring term | Wednesday 4th January 2022 |
| Half term | Monday 13th – Friday 17th February |
| Last day of spring term | Friday 31st March |
| First day of summer term | Monday 17th April |
| Half term | Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June |
| Last day of summer term | Friday 21st July |
